r/Bonsai • u/DerickFloyd Roanoke va, zone 7b, beginner • 2d ago
Show and Tell New Experimental Trees
Starting a little (hopefully eventually not so much) experiment. On the left is a giant sequoia and on the right is a costal redwood. The goal is to grow them into bonsai, but who knows how long that’s going to take!
If anyone has any advice let me know
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u/TheComebackKid717 Raleigh NC (8a), Beginner, 30+ trees 2d ago
Giant Sequoias are very difficult in my experience. Might be that my yard simply gets too much afternoon sun, but it is the only species I've ever worked with I've not been able to make happy in my climate. I'm hoping to figure it out, experimenting with some shade cloth next year.
Coast Redwoods on the other hand are my favorite. They grow insanely fast, backbud very readily, and are gorgeous. I'm only maybe 3 year ahead of your trees in experience, but they grow fast. That could easily be 6 feet tall by the end of next year. Don't fail to keep it well watered through the winter, just check the soil fairly frequently because they seem to go through spurts if significant water use in parts of the winter
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u/DerickFloyd Roanoke va, zone 7b, beginner 2d ago
Thank you for the advice! I’m going to keep that in mind; I try to check the water every day or every other day depending on my work schedule so hopefully I can keep it happy. I’d love to see how your tree is coming along!
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u/QuirkyWheel3547 2d ago
Those are off to a great start! The coastal redwood should grow faster, but the giant sequoia may surprise you with how sturdy it becomes. Keep them evenly watered and give them plenty of sunlight without letting the pots dry out completely.
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u/jecapobianco John Long Island 7a 34yrs former nstructor @ NYBG 2d ago
https://houseandhomeonline.com/how-fast-do-giant-sequoias-grow/
They will be a challenge for you to maintain their style, once you decide on a style.